figure out

verb

figured out; figuring out; figures out

transitive verb

1

: discover, determine

try to figure out a way to do it

2

: solve, fathom

figure out a problem

Synonyms of figure out

• solve
• answer
• unravel
• resolve

Examples of figure out in a Sentence

a book of brainteasers that even a really clever person won't have an easy time figuring out

Recent Examples on the Web

Each of them has to figure out how to continue living life on their own in Bilbao. — Roberto Prieto, Variety, 5 Oct. 2026

Part of me wonders if quarterback Tyler Shough struggles to figure out opposing defenses and then finally breaks through. — David Troy Outkick, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2026

The Chiefs have a week off to figure out a solution to their wide receiver problem, so the bye may have come at just the right time. — ABC News, 5 Oct. 2026

Miami’s figuring out who has the mental makeup to survive the struggles. — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 4 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for figure out

• about
• bailout
• blackout
• blowout
• breakout
• burnout
• buyout
• checkout
• closeout
• cutout
• devout
• dropout

Kids Definition

figure out

verb

1

: find out, discover

try to figure out a way to do it

2

: solve

figure out a problem